Fijian Drua

Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika's success benefits national teams

With the objective of increasing the competitiveness of the international game, World Rugby has part-funded the franchises to provide an impactful environment and pathway that will ultimately benefit Fiji, Samoa and Tonga on the biggest stage – Rugby World Cup.

The selection of 43 players for the Pacific Nations Cup from Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua is an important step in that journey, providing each union with the benefit of access to a group of players performing in an environment geared towards achieving success at international level.

Crusaders crush Fijian Drua

     

The 61-3 win in Christchurch on Friday went as forecast, with the home side's nine unanswered tries against the newcomers giving the Crusaders a handy margin boost as they fight with the Brumbies for second spot on the competition ladder heading into the playoffs.

The Drua managed to link phases together with relative comfort, but couldn't make inroads against the well-drilled host's defence.

And their turnovers were punished, the Crusaders cruising with four first-half tries including a competition-high 10th for Leicester Fainga'anuku in the second minute.

Rampant Hurricanes crush Fijian Drua

Playing at pace, the Hurricanes chalked up a staggering eleven tries to the visitors single consolation effort at Sky Stadium.

Back on home soil, the Wellington side had plenty of room to run in attack, securing a 26-nil lead by half-time.

Fullback Josh Moorby scored a hat-trick, with two tries each to Billy Proctor and Wes Goosen.

Of note, the Hurricanes welcomed veterans Dane Coles and 108-test All Blacks prop Owen Franks off the bench.

Franks was making his Hurricanes debut after recovering from a torn Achilles.

Drua coach makes nine changes to team to play the Hurricanes

There are nine changes to the starting line-up from the side that took on the Highlanders last week.

"We're preparing for a very physical game this week against a very good Hurricanes team. The boys are really wanting to get out there this week to show the Wellington crowd and our fans in New Zealand what they can do," said Byrne.

In the front row, prop Haereiti Hetet retains his loosehead prop position, joined by Zuriel Togiatama at hooker and Samuela Tawake at tighthead. Isoa Nasilasila partners Sorovakatini Tuifagalele in the second row.

Hurricanes get All Blacks veteran back while another makes debut

Coles who's played 128 games for the Hurricanes will finally take the field having recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered on the All Blacks Northern Tour at the end of last year.

"We've taken it slowly with him to make sure he's 100% when he comes back, and he's absolutely flying around the place now," said coach Jason Holland.

There are some obvious things with Colesy, about what he'll bring in creating a bit of edge around the group and the way he leads, which is great for our boys. He's dying to play and dying to contribute."

Drua put on a strong performance to a packed-out stadium in Suva

Showing both determination and dazzling skills the Drua thrilled their home crowd in this historic match; their first in Suva in the Super Rugby competition. Cheers and shouts of joy erupted every time a Drua player touched the ball.

Despite their heroic effort, the Drua went down fighting against the Highlanders 27-24, in front of a sold-out ANZ Stadium.

The Drua made an electric start when halfback Frank Lomani scored the game's first try, after winger Vinaya Habosi smashed through the Highlanders' defensive line.

Former Reds winger joins Drua

Droasese has signed on with the Drua, after being released by the Reds. The 22-year-old was part of the Fiji Schoolboys and Fiji U20s teams before moving to Australia to join Brisbane City in the former NRC in 2019, moving to the Reds in 2021.

Fijian Drua CEO Brian Thorburn welcomed the young winger into the squad.

Fijiana Drua confirms side for Super W Grand Final

The Drua are aiming to finish the season unbeaten after their dominant victory over the defending champion Brumbies.

"We want the best players, the players who are injury free and that is what the selection is based on," Fijiana Drua coach Senirusi Seruvakula said.

Once again the side will be captained by Bitla Tawake who plays tighthead prop for the final.

"All these girls are ready for the final, we have a strong mobile pack and our backline is the same backline," Seruvakula said.

Trans-Tasman games chance to test ourselves, says Drua coach

This Saturday they play their first trans-Tasman game against the Blues in Melbourne.

It'll be a whole new ball game altogether facing New Zealand-based teams, especially the Super Rugby Pacific leaders, however, Byrne said the players are excited.

The big Pacific match-up against Moana Pasifika takes place on May 14 in Sydney.

Byrne said this weekend will be an opportunity for the Drua to measure themselves against the best.

Flooding forces Fijian Drua to relocate

Rising water levels in the town of Lismore forced the closure of the team's base camp at Lake Ainsworth, with on-site residents including the Drua squad and staff having to evacuate.

The squad moved out of camp on Wednesday and has relocated to the Gold Coast where they will play the New South Wales Waratahs tonight, before taking on the Brumbies in Brisbane next weekend.

CEO Brian Thorburn said they had no choice but to move the entire squad to another state.